Polycysistic ovaries- help!!!?

Question

I recently had blood tests to test my hormones because I am convinced I have polycysic ovaries ( im not a hypocondriact, I have nearly all the syptoms) but my blood tests all came back fine which i was VERY surprised at. But my doctor suggested that I go and have an ultrasound to see if i have too many cysts on my ovaries. Now i thought that if i did have PCO, that my hormones wouldn't be right, but they are. could i still have PCO even though my hormones are ok?

Answer 1

Welcome to the family Cyster! ;) Or possible cyster.

YES! You can still have PCOS even if your hormones 'look' okay.

I went to 12 doctors before I properly got diagnosed with PCOS and had EASILY 3-4 blood tests done beforedoc #12 determined it with her blood test and an internal ultrasound to see all my cysts. Not sure what sort of doc you went to...I would recommend a reproductive endocrinologist. Unless you're trying to get prego, most regular gynos will put you off and not do the tests....it's ridiculous if you ask me. I have talked to many PCOSers who had that experience and I thought it was isolated. Not so. I have a coworker who, like you...has all the symptoms too...and her doc refused to do tests to CONFIRM or refute it! She came to me and I said...its YOUR health....either go back and DEMAND she do the tests or find a new doc. Controlling PCOS for some people means stopping future health problems such as diabetes! How can one take better care of themselves if their doctor won't help them get an answer.

The BEST resource for PCOSers is a website called www.soulcysters.net. Thousands and thousands of people with it, discussing meds, treatments, symptoms....etc. It's a great way to learn how to live with it.

I wish you the best of luck on your journey! :)

Answer 2

Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome, is also known as, functional hyperandrogenism. This newer designation, is really more descriptive, because modern diagnosis, does not require the presence of poly cystic ovaries. I can't really comment, on your blood tests, since I don't know what tests were run, or what the results are. Were the tests evaluated by an esteemed endocrinologist, or were they evaluated by a general practitioner or obstetrician?

Some of the symptoms of PCOS or functional hyperandrogenism are: thinning hair, hirsutism, acne, weight gain above the waist and menstrual irregularities. Currently, it is estimated, 6% of women, in the United States, of child bearing age, have PCOS.

Please feel free, to send me a copy of your tests. I would be happy, to provide my humble opinion of the results, and of the battery of tests run. I also would be happy, to send you one or more publications regarding PCOS.